The Pampas Wines Blog
We want to be a source of information and news for wine enthusiasts. We are delighted to share our knowledge and passion for wine, especially Argentinian wine…
Wine regions of Argentina
Argentina’s wine regions are widely dispersed from north to south but almost entirely confined to a relatively narrow strip at the western edge of the country bordering the foothills of the great Andes mountain range, leading to unique tasting wines from a relatively high altitude. The climate is predominantly semi-desert with annual rainfall rarely above 250mm, less than a third of that seen in Bordeaux. Water for irrigation is available from the rivers and channels that run down from the Andes. The seasons are well defined, allowing the vines plenty of time to rest, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Argentina’s southern wine-making regions
Distinct from its northern counterpart, the wines from southern regions are wholly unique, and need to be experienced several times to grasp their complex flavours. The southern wine-making regions in Argentina are San Juan, Mendoza and Patagonia (Neuqúen and Rio Negro).
An Argentinian wine merchant’s guide to Chardonnay
Taking advantage of the unique geographical heights of Mendoza, Chardonnay from other nations will seem comparatively disappointing compared to our selection of wines. In contrast to the green apple flavours produced by the climate of Northern France, the moderate Argentinian climate produces flavours of citrus and stone/melon fruit. As a result of this refreshing sharpness, unoaked Argentinian Chardonnay goes well with white fish, salads, or hors d’oeuvres, as well as drinking very well on its own as an aperitif.
An Argentinian wine merchant’s guide to Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is usually light in colour with generally lower levels of tannin than most other red varieties and a certain sweet fruitiness. In Argentina, the typical flavours are red cherry, strawberry, a little blackberry and vanilla from oak influence. Whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon needs relatively warm weather to flourish, the Pinot Noir is known as a cooler-climate grape, excelling in much milder conditions. It is a difficult and variable grape, demanding much of both the vine grower and winemaker and is much lighter than the other classic red varieties, so much so in fact, that it should be possible to see through a glass of Pinot Noir.
An Argentinian wine merchant’s guide to Torrontés
Despite its being the signature white grape of Argentina and a quality wine, most people have never heard of Torrontés. This crisp, dry white wine is unique to Argentina, excelling in the high altitudes of the northern Salta region. Typically, the best Torrontés is grown at an altitude of over 6,000 feet.
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